"Our" Squirrels and Dreaming of Dark Hair, Chubby Baby Boys

From Gwen's Letter, May 16, 1937--

"Dearest Sweetheart,

I'm happy again, thank goodness, but it was just in the nick of time after waiting almost two weeks for a letter for the one I care most about. I almost decided to go on a broken arm strike. It really wasn't safe for people around home because of the way I'd go up in smoke when I'd rush home from work only to find no letter. The day it finally came Mom called me at work so I'd cool down and not wreck the house. No fooling. I look forward to those letters . . . [they] are the things which we must hold to if our dream is to become a reality and I have every faith that it will. . .

"Jim, let me look down deep in those blue eyes I'm waiting to see and you look down deep in mine and now I'm going to tell you again what our little squirrel heard one day. Darling, no love is complete in marriage if it is a selfish love and ours is far from being selfish. . . Just think of the fun we'll have when there is a little black headed chubby faced Jimmie and a blonde Gwennie dressed in a little blue silk dress. Oh kid, I can't even write about it without crying. I can just see you standing towering above a little tiny boy who toddles uncertainly over and grabs your legs in his two little arms and looks up trustingly into his daddy's face. . . Erlyn was talking to me the other day and guess what she said. She said, 'If Jim and Gwen ever have kids, won't they be smart.' . . .

"Jim dear, please don't fall for England too hard or you'll never be satisfied with home again. Do you have quiet rendezvous with tall pines and soft moss, and trickling streams and little squirrels chattering above. We have. Maybe they aren't as romantic as green valleys but they still mean more to me because of the associations. . . . I like that idea of yours about writing down suggestions for things to do to make our marriage perfect. I think about those things all the time and often I see happy married couples who can give you and I tips.

The shutters on Jim and Gwen's home held a reminder of their experience with the squirrels


" . . . Please write and tell me all about your trip to the coronation. I listened over the radio and, believe it [or] not, I heard you yelling at the top of your voice 'God Save the King' and then I worried for fear that rain would give you pneumonia or sumpin'. How many hot dogs did you tuck away? Did you know there was a big article in the Central Park Herald about you and George in the conference, the work you're conducting and the trip you were to make to the coronation?"

A Special Commemorative Copy of the Millennial Star featured the Coronation



" . . . Well, honey, it's midnight and I must stop now . . . So goodnight sweetheart.
With loads of love and some X's too, Gwen

"P.S. . . . Thanks for for that nice letter to Mom. It was grand."

The Coronation of King George VI

Jim's Journal--Tues, May 11, 1937, London.

A Souvenir Cup from the Royal Coronation China

". . .went on the 'tube' to Hyde Park. It was after midnight when we found a place and there we settled to wait for the procession. . . we lay on newspapers on the sidewalks, sleeping when we could, being crowded in at all sides, but there were thousands of people there for the same thing we were. And without customary sleep we passed into the Coronation Day."

A King Edward VIII's Souvenir Coronation Plate--Edward VIII abdicated the throne thus giving it to King George VI


Wed. May 12, 1937, Hyde Park, London.

"People are gathering around us like flies, to see this great spectacle. They have waited for months, weeks, days and now hours to see this procession. Men, women and children. Their faces tired and dirty from a night out here in fog and smoke. And still they come. We were able to lay down last night, but the crowd is so great there isn't space now. We were very fortunate to have sandwiches with us because on every side of us, women are fainting, turning sick at the stomachs from hunger and thirst. From a building on the other side of the road, a loud speaker tells us that the King and Queen are leaving Buckingham Palace to go to Westminister [sic] Abbey. Cheers can be heard, the day has begun. As each important thing takes place we are told about it from this loud speaker. The procession , the Abbey ceremony, the oath and finally 'He is crowned,' 'Long live the King.' Then the national anthem 'God Save The King.' During this time crowds have increased and we are crowded in like sardines.

" . . .Then from the speaker we were informed that they were leaving the Abbey and would soon be in Hyde Park. Long hours of waiting and then the first troops appeared. Mounted bands, beautiful horses, colorful uniforms, and well rifled troops. Men in red coats, gold braid, black trousers, in the blue, the gray. Men from as far away as the British Empire reaches. From entirely around the globe. Beautiful black horses with leopard skin saddles, and gray horses with black polished leather saddled. Everything in order for this day of days. The sky has been dark all day long and rain has threatened. The 'Royal Canadian Mounted Police' drew the most attention and applause, as did troops from India, So. Africa, New Zealand, Australia, Canada, Egypt. The Turks, Arabians and all the Scottish, Welsh and native land, sea, and air forces. And finally came the Royal coaches. Queen Mary, the Princesses, Dukes, Duchesses, Lords and Ladys, the Prime Minister, the Kings guards, and the King and Queen. There in his royal coach, dressed in his royal robes, scepter in his hand, his queen by his side, was King George VI and Queen Elizabeth. A great cheer went up. People gone mad from their long wait. And as his coach passed from view rain started to fall, increasingly it came. People hurrying toward subways. Traffic blocked out and there in the marble Arch Square we stood and were rained on plenty.

". . . We made a tube connection at Edgewall station and then were very soon in Claphom. There we lay our weary bones down on our ticks to most welcome rest.

"And now as I run all this through my mind I wonder: Was the King any happier because of what he had than I or any of the Elders with what they have[?] Gwen and I--King and Queen in our own castle--our love as our crown. Our home as our kingdom. Our own children as our loyal subjects. Can any man ask for more? And despite all that runs through my mind, I love her still. And so I have seen what millions of people have seen, and what millions more would have liked to see. So to bed."

Traveling to London for a Mission Conference and Coronation

Jim's Journal, Sat. May 8, 1937, So Shields to Sheffield

"We were up and around early this morning. . .prior to our departure for London. Elder Stephens prayed, and then we departed in pairs. Elders Brown and Blanch. Elders Stephens, Bryson and I. . . We traveled out of Goteshead on the highway. . . We were now on the Great North Road bound for London and the Coronation. We rated another ride a little way, and then one on a truck to Darlington. . . In Darlington a truck took Stephens to Leeds, Bryson left to go to York, and Blanch and Brown paired off, leaving me alone. I walked out to the open road and rated a ride of about 8 miles to Cottruck. Then a walk of two hundred yards and another ride put me to Domcaster. Out of Domcaster I headed for Sheffield and was taken there in a newspaper truck. . . I have made about 150 miles today. Tired.

Sun. May 9, 1937, Sheffield to Leicester.

" . . .I made my way out of Sheffield at nine o'clock, walking out on to the road toward Derby. Getting a ride was terrible this day . . . rated a ride into Derby. I searched out Miss Elizabeth Brown at 62 Malcolm Street and visited with Gwen's Mother's aunt. She accepted me very graciously and gave me a nice lunch. From Derby I walked a greater distance to Nottingham but ended up on the bus. It had started to rain and it was hard traveling. . .I took the bus to Leicester. . . Today I have traveled about 50 miles. It is hard this type of travel, but I feel that it is saving money, and making it easier for the folks at home."

Mon. May 10, 1937. Leicester to London

"I was up, dressed and had eaten my breakfast and on my way at eight thirty A.M. . . .I took a trolley out of the city onto the road that lead to London . . . I walked about one fourth of a mile and then made a ride in a truck to Northampton. When I arrived in Northampton, a shoe manufacturing center, it was noon, so I had some fruit for lunch, walked out to where the roads forked and was offered a ride as far as Croyden if I cared to go. I chose to go to Windsor and after a four hour ride passing through some beautiful country, and some nice little cities we arrived in Windsor. It was here I saw Eton College, Windsor Castle, King Geo. V. memorial, and the Thames River, and [the] dock from which the King takes his rides down the river. I saw Windsor then made my way into London via Slough. A 'cockney' brought me in. . . I was the last of the Newcastle boys to arrive. . . I made about 100 miles journey today, saw some beautiful country and now am glad to lay down to sleep. But oh look what we have to sleep on: a sack filled with straw, covered by an army blanket, and two blankets to cover us with. But I could sleep on the soft side of a rock. And so I did."

Memories, Apple Blossoms, and Jim's Speaking

Gwen's Letter, May 2:

Dearest Sweetheart,

"It's apple blossom time. Finally the clouds and rain are gone and to-day the sun is shining so brightly and the birds are singing so that it seems just the kind of a day to drive up Parley's and over to our rendezvous. Gee, kid, but I'm lonely for you to-day. . . I'm sending you an apple blossom from the front tree to sort of remind you.

". . .Now I'll proceed to tell you the news . . . 5. I read about your new president being H. B. Brown [Hugh B. Brown]. How do you like that[?]


" . . . hey you said for me to get the Star so I'll renew mine with you because I like to read about what you do and then here's a subscription of 3 months for your mom and send one to Owen's too will you? . . . At least I'm really working with you on your mission. Please let me do more.

"Please write and tell me how you're coming out in your speaking,. . .

"Love me always as I love you, Your sweetheart, Gwen."


Jim's Journal, Sunday, May 2, 1937. Shildon.

". . .I spoke in the Shildon Conjoint meeting on a subject that was handed me five minutes before I was to talk. I spoke for fifteen minutes and felt very satisfied with my self."

Turkey Burglar Alarm Systems? . . . and Gwen's Driving

Jim's Journal dated April 26, 1937:

". . . In the afternoon we went to Durham to see the Cathedral. It is a beautiful ancient place, built in 1100, and is now very antique . . . today was Dad's 53rd birthday."

Picture: Charlotte and Robert Telford (Jim's Parents)

From Gwen's Letter dated the same day:

"Dearest Jim,
Remember our burglar alarm system for the turkeys? Well I've just decided that was a pretty smart idea of yours and I've even decided it's better than the professional alarms, but why am I raving on about burglar alarms when there are so many more important things for you and me to talk about, anyway I'm about fed up on burglar alarms that aren't for turkeys because for the last month some men from California have been installing one in the Utah Woolen Mills and I believe they need some one like you to explain how it's done. . . I had to practically tie myself down to keep from explaining to him how the Wagstaff Telford corporation would do it. From this you can see how often I'm thinking of you. No matter what happens in some way or other it seems to remind me of the time when you and I did the same thing or went to the same place. . . Do you like to think about them as much as I do?

". . . Well your dad is fining our place so the trees will not be in danger when I drive. He's cutting down all the big poplars out in front. Your dad sure seems to know how it's done. As for it helping my driving. I'm really proud of my growing ability to miss telephone polls and mailboxes. No fooling, Jim, I'm really getting better. I told Dad my aim is to be as good a driver as you by the time you come home. . .

". . . Should I plan to meet you in New York on your way home? Boy I surely want to go someplace out of Utah besides Wyoming. Should I make it New York? I'd love to but . . . we've still got 2 years (almost) to think about it so why worry.

"Last night your mom was talking to my mom and me about you. . . . If you want to see some real honest to goodness beaming you should see her when she talks about her Jimmie and my Jimmie. . . She said that Harry Grumberg came in for some cleaning the other day and asked if she were Jimmie's mother. Then he told her that if any fellow in the ward ever deserved to go on a mission it was you.

". . .P.S. I see by the papers that Pres. Cannon is being released and that Newcastle won in the football game."

Missionary Work, Laughs, and the Rain in England

Jim's Journal
Fri. April 9, 1937 --So. Shields

"Friday is Millenial Star day. We read the Star and don't go tracting. We went down town and back again to have lunch and study for a talk tonight. Elder Stephens and I went to our bath today and then played ball in the park. After tea we held a street meeting in the Square. They are fine for practice, but we don't seem able to attract a crowd. Some old drunk kept interrupting which only added a little spice to the program. . . this is a fair example of what my days in the mission field are."

Wed. April 14, 1937. So. Shields

"This morning we met as usual and instead of a meeting we had a gathering that wouldn't rate as a good social. Stephens tried to accompany us on a harmonica while we sang 'Oh My Father.' That started us all to laughing, so Derbyshire called the meeting.


. . .In the afternoon Gwen's picture arrived and gee it's a honey. In a nice gold frame and as nice as she is herself. I'm proud of it."

Friday, April 16, 1937. So. Shields--

"Rain--rain--rain and more rain. All it ever does in this confounded country is rain. All day and then all night. We can't do a thing because of rain and I am so tired of doing nothing I could bawl."

Jim darning his socks

April 18, 1937--A letter from Gwen reads:

"Darling,
Just think three more days and it will be exactly three months since I kissed you last and then only 21 months to go but I'll bet you a malt you'll make it 27 months to go if you learn to love England as you seem to have done already, but Jim dear, it's worth it isn't it. I'm so glad for you that you are enjoying such a wonderful experience. I guess I am a little jealous though. I wish I were having the same experiences. . . You flatter me when you say you are doing all this for me. I like it though. You understand how blondes are. I guess next best to filling a mission oneself is to have someone you love fill one for you.

". . . Kid, those were surely grand pictures your folks received. . . And say those things you sent your dad just put him sky high in glory.

" . . . Say Jim, how fat are you now? Have you lost any hair? How many towns have you been kicked out of? Say what do you look like anyhow[?] I've forgotten it's been so long since I had a good look at you

"About the Municipal swimming party it was sort of a bachelor girls affair so don't be worrying about who we were with because Maxine, Elizabeth, Bernice and about 3 other girls and I had a swell time all by our lonesomes. In fact, Jim you don't need to worry about me very much but I don't want you to take me for granted ever.

"Well, Jim dear it's almost the 'wee' hours so I must stop now . . .Be good sweetheart and love me as I love you because I do tell you the truth for I have nothing to conceal and I hope you'll tell me the truth also even if it's not so easy to take.

Love, Gwen"

Engagement Anniversary

Sat. April 3, 1937--
Jim's Journal reads:

"In the afternoon Elder Bryson and I went to No. Shields to administer to a Mrs. Humell who has been ill for some time. We had our tea at her home. When we are calling on people, administering to them there is a different feeling in our work. . . Gwen and I have been engaged for one year now. Last year on this same date, we went to see "The Trail of the Lonesome Pine" and after we returned home I gave her a ring. We declared our love for each other, our undying affections, and then separated."

Gwen's Letter, also dated Sat. April 3, 1937, reads:

"Darling,
Your letters get better and better all the time. I thought nothing could equal that 16 page one but your last, even though it was short was so sweet and so much like you used to be that it's almost worn out because I've read it over so much. You promised me a real love letter and truly it was about the grandest love letter you've ever written me and the surprise of receiving it in the middle of the week just made it perfect. . . I hope that someday in about two years your dream of the creek and pine trees and us will come true and that you will put your arms around me and say honestly, 'Gwen dear, I love you' . . . I couldn't help but write you to-day because it's such a special day to me. Please don't think I'm foolish, but I just seem to remember a year ago about this same time--well let's see I guess about two hours later than right now and you turned out the lamp and put a beautiful symbol of our love on my finger. You know I don't believe I ever did tell you how much I like 'our' diamond. . .

"Now before the monotony send you entirely to sleep I'll stop and say,
Goodnight Sweetheart
Til we meet to-morrow
With lots of love and a big X O,
Gwen"